751: Why adultery, gambling and the flesh of swine are haraam

Why are adultery, gambling, eating the
flesh of swine forbidden in Islam or consedered "haram"?

Even though we find it strange that a Muslim would ask
such a question about matters which are so clear and undisputed, the answer is simply that
these things are haraam because Allaah, Whom we must obey, has forbidden them. He tells us
in the Qur’aan (interpretation of the meanings):

“And come not near to unlawful sexual intercourse. Verily, it
is a faahishah (a great sin) and an evil way.” [al-Israa’ 17:32]

“He has forbidden you only the maytatah (dead animals), and blood,
and the flesh of swine…” [al-Baqarah 2:173]

“O you who believe! Intoxicants, gambling, al-ansaab [stone altars
for sacrifice to false gods], and al-azlaam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an
abomination of Shaytaan’s handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in
order that you may be successful.

Shaytaan wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with
intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allaah and from
al-salaah. So, will you not then abstain?” [al-Maa’idah 5:90-91]

So we must avoid all that which Allaah has forbidden, out of faith in
His laws, in the hope of His reward and in fear of His punishment. We must also believe
that Allaah does not forbid anything in Islamic sharee’ah except that which is
harmful and corrupt, whether we understand this rationally or not, because He says
(interpretation of the meaning):

“And no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make
you (O Muhammad) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance
against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission.” [al-Nisaa’
4:65]